The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says to watch out for ticks if you are spending time outdoors. Tick bites can cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. Use a repellent, rub the spray carefully onto kids and wear full-length protective clothing. https://twitter.com/i/status/1518968142386532352
The Rockport Council on Aging is will host a regional kick-off of the Walk Massachusetts Challenge, an annual Massachusetts Councils on Aging community walking challenge. The kick-off event is scheduled rain or shine for May 4th from 11AM-2PM, stepping off from Rockport’s Back Beach and bandstand. This is a free, all-ages event featuring easy, scenic walks of varying distances from a one-quarter of a mile beach loop, to longer half-mile, three-quarter and mile-long routes, winding its way to Millbrook Meadow, Front Beach and all the way to Bearskin Neck and back.
Group-led or selfguided walks take place on marked sidewalks assisted by color-coded route maps. There are benches to rest and restrooms available along the way. Complimentary boxed picnic lunches will be served for the first one hundred registered participants. Additionally, there will be educational and information booths in the park including nearby Council on Aging Centers, SeniorCare, The Age and Dementia Friendly Cape Ann, Mass in Motion, Open Door, The Glen T. McLeod YMCA, Element Care, For Every Body Fitness and Rockport Library.
The Walk Massachusetts Challenge offers registered participants the chance to win prizes and supplies a handy step tracker tool online at www.walkmachallenge.com. Walkers are encouraged to register on the site first before the kick-off event. Come dressed for the weather, wearing comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget a personal water bottle. To register for the Walk Massachusetts Challenge, visit www.walkMAchallenge.com. The street address for the kick off location is 32 Beach Street, #Rockport MA. To participate as a volunteer or non-profit partner, or learn more about the regional kick-off, contact: Cal Workman at 978-546-2573 or cworkman@RockportMA.gov.
An important tool in our work to protect our environment is Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. In 1972 voters adopted Article 97 as a new amendment to the Constitution to safeguard the people's right to a clean environment. That change affirms that people "shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose." Today, we celebrate Earth Day and we continue our work to be good stewards of our planet.
The Baker-Polito Administration launched a new hiring and training employer grant program in March called, “HireNow,” which will help employers quickly hire and train new workers and get more people back to work. The new program provides eligible employers with a $4,000 per employee grant, which can be used to cover training costs or as a signing bonus for new employees. By providing employers with these flexible funds to facilitate quick hiring, the Administration is focusing on addressing continued hiring challenges faced by employers and increasing labor force participation. Employers can learn more about the program and apply at mass.gov/HireNow.
Due to the popularity of pre-registered employers, the HireNow program will stop accepting new business applications as of today, April 20, 2022 at 11:59 PM. If you are aware of businesses that may be interested in this program but have not yet pre-registered, please inform them to do so today. Pre-registered employers will be able to go into the system and register their employees on April 25.
I recently had the opportunity to join with members of the Amaral Bailey Post 113 in Manchester-by-the-Sea to recognize that they have received their official charter, making them part of the Manchester Legion Post. Legion Rider members host charity events in support of The American Legion and local communities, they raise money for VA hospitals, women and children centers, children and youth centers, schools, and other facilities. They also participate in memorial ceremonies and community parades as well as provide escort for military units to departure airports for combat tours overseas, and welcoming them home upon their return.
Congratulations one and all.
Massachusetts School of Law at Andover again this year hosted the Animals Right Day at their campus. I provided a legislative update on the many bills that support more humane treatment of animals including the Massachusetts Beagle Freedom Bill that I filed to give laboratory animals (most are docile beagles) a chance at life after the lab. The law school leadership does a stellar job at organizing this annual event and the many individuals and organizations who participate are helping us all better understand how animals are living creatures and they deserve thoughtful and kindhearted treatment.
I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and happy Easter that is celebrated with family and friends. May the holiday bring you and your loved ones many blessings.
With Passover commencing this evening, I would like to wish all of my
Jewish friends and constituents a happy and joyous holiday. Even if you
can't be in the company of family and loved ones, I wish you, and them,
peace, happiness, and wellness.
Chag Sameach!
Yarmouth Police Sargent Sean Gannon was killed by a suspect he was serving an arrest warrant to four years ago this week. To honor him, his service, and his K-9 Nero, Governor Charlie Baker conducted a ceremonial bill signing of Nero’s Law at the Sgt. Sean Gannon Training Facility in #Yarmouth. I co-sponsored the legislation that the Governor signed because I know that first responders of every type are subject to dangerous working conditions - they deserve our support and immediate access to care.
Nero's Law now allows K-9 partners to be given emergency medical treatment and transport in an ambulance to receive medical attention when injured in the line of duty provided no human is in need first. Sargent Gannon's K-9 was severely injured and suffered life-threatening injuries from the shooting that killed Sargent Gannon. Nero was shot in the face; the bullet ripped through his head and left holes in his throat. He was covered in blood at the scene for hours before receiving medical care.
The importance of ending sexual and domestic violence is a concern to us all. Prevention of violence, helping victims transform into survivors, and helping heal injuries that can't be immediately seen takes caring communities. The Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse invited me and others to participate in a march and gathering to raise awareness that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. With Mayor Greg Verga
Important safety and reliability work taking place during these Newburyport/Rockport Line shuttle bus diversions includes the replacement of the Commercial Street Bridge in Lynn; the installation of Automatic Train Control signal upgrades as part of the Positive Train Control project along the entire line; signal upgrades at North Station; the re-opening of the Gloucester Drawbridge with a return to train service on May 23; and additional track, rail, culvert, and improvement projects taking advantage of the available track outages. These infrastructure investments will help to modernize the Commuter Rail network and improve safety, reliability, and resiliency for passengers. By leveraging the planned diversion to install Automatic Train Control to accomplish additional projects, the need for future service impacts to complete these improvements is minimized and the benefits to riders can be delivered sooner.
Newburyport/Rockport Line riders who typically purchase Monthly Passes should purchase no higher than a Zone 3 pass for May 2022 and no higher than an Interzone 5 pass for June 2022. Riders should also check schedules ahead of time for anticipated travel and arrival times. To avoid this planned construction, riders are also encouraged to consider riding the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line or the Blue or Orange subway lines, or work from home, if possible. Riders should also note that dates may change and additional periods may be added as needed for construction.
More on Rockport Branch Work:
During the upcoming signal, track, and bridge improvement work, bus shuttles will replace trains on the following dates:
April 11-22: Shuttle buses will operate from Rockport to Salem Stations. Trains will operate from Salem to North Stations. A separate schedule for each timeframe will be available on mbta.com.
April 23-May 8: Shuttle buses will operate from Rockport to Gloucester Stations. Trains will operate from Gloucester to North Stations. A separate schedule for each timeframe will be available on mbta.com.
May 9-22: Shuttle buses will operate from Rockport to Orient Heights Stations with a free transfer from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3.
May 23-June 5: Trains will operate from Rockport to Beverly Stations. Shuttle buses will operate from Beverly to Orient Heights Stations with a free transfer from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3. Customers should note that the Gloucester Drawbridge opens on May 23.
June 6 and onward: Normal weekday train service.
June 11-12: Trains will operate from Rockport to Salem Stations. Shuttles will operate from Salem to Orient Heights Stations with a free transfer from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights.
v More on Newburyport Branch Work:
During the upcoming signal, track, and bridge improvement work, bus shuttles will replace trains on the following dates:
April 11-May 8: Shuttle buses will operate from Newburyport to Salem Stations. Trains will operate from Salem to North Stations. A separate schedule for each timeframe will be available on mbta.com.
May 9-June 5: Trains will operate from Newburyport to Beverly Stations. Shuttle buses will operate from Beverly to Orient Heights Stations with a free transfer from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3.
June 6 and onward: Normal weekday train service.
June 11-12: Trains will operate from Newburyport to Salem Stations. Shuttle buses will operate from Salem to Orient Heights Stations with a free transfer from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights.
For more information, visit mbta.com, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - MBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.
Last night, I attended an important gathering to discuss serious challenges faced by every community - mental health illness. The program featured keynote speaker Kevin Hines who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in a suicide attempt. In 2017 he released a documentary "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" to help reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. The program was sponsored by Gloucester Public Schools, Gloucester, MA Health Department in collaboration with Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association, GPS, SEPAC, and GHS Mental Health Ambassadors.
According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, there were 45,799 recorded suicides in 2020, up from 42,773 in 2014, The annual U.S. suicide rate increased 30% between 2000 and 2020.
Yesterday, I helped Governor Charlie Baker, First Lady Lauren Baker, House Minority Leader State Representative Brad Jones, Senator John Velis, and Representative Paul McMurtry welcome Gold Star Spouses to the Governor's office. This is the 8th consecutive year that Governor Baker has opened the doors to these wonderful people. Gold Star Spouses Day honors those who have survived military service members who died while serving our nation.
The Senate completed work on a supplemental budget with $1.67 billion in gross spending, $883 million in net spending which prioritizes immediate, time-sensitive spending needs. A portion of the spending is to be backed by federal reimbursement. Here are the major components of the bill:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4650
Bill prohibits discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles
The CROWN Act will prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles by incorporating hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyle into the definition of race in the law. The protection means that no school district, school committee, public school, nonsectarian school, or any equivalent school organizations, can adopt policies that impair or prohibit a natural or protective hairstyle that has been historically associated with one’s race.
If signed into law, we would become the 15th state to adopt the CROWN Act. The legislation was inspired in part by sisters Mya and Deanna Cook, who as teens gained national attention after successfully overturning their school policy which had barred them from taking part in school activities.
